THE race to find the 100 greatest Welsh heroes has captured the imagination of a determined Texan woman.

A Dallas-based fan of rock group The Alarm has championed front-man Mike Peters who currently ranks as the second most popular Welshman of all time.

It is understood the fan has been urging people to vote via chatrooms and fan sites.

Peters has responded to the organised adulation with humility. His spokeswoman said, "Being a humble sort of chap, Mike is rather chuffed at how many people have voted for him."

There is still more than two months to go before nominations close. The competition to find Wales' greatest leaders, thinkers, creatives, groundbreakers and performers will close on November 31. The top 20 in each category will make up the list of the 100 Welsh heroes.

The survey, orchestrated by Culturenet Cymru and sponsored by the Welsh Assembly Government, has revealed the affection for Welsh icons which is felt around the globe.

Ivor the Engine, the animated train famed for his adventures with Idris the Dragon, has won support from fans in Australia and the US.

The latest rankings will be released today. Tom Jones has so far enjoyed a position at the top of the charts and built up a lead which dwarfs the number of votes cast for luminaries such as David Lloyd George and Bertrand Russell.

The first 36 places are currently exclusively held by men. Tanni Grey Thompson is the most popular woman. Actress Catherine Zeta Jones is firmly in the bottom half of the list at 61.